·POLICY HA·NDBOOK FOR STUDENTS 2015-2016images.pcmac.org/Uploads/ClevelandSchoolDistrict...Gang...

·POLICY HA·NDBOOK FOR STUDENTS

2015-2016

CLEVELAND SCHOOL DISTRICT

TABLE OF CONTENTS Abs en c es-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 9-1 o Absentee Li m its--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 1 o Academic Program for the Talented---------------------------------- ------------ ------------------------------ 42 Active Pa rent-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 46 Address I Telephone Number Changes------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------- 5

Admission of Students to the Building-------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 5 Ad m i ss ions--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

Alcohol and Other Drug Possession and Use-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12-13 All owa bl e Credit I Make-up Work---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 11

Alt e rn at iv e Schoo I Pro gra ms----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 7

Appeal Procedure----------- ------------------- ---------------------------------------------- -- -------------------10 Asbestos------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Attendance Policy------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 8

Authority of Board of Trustees------------------------------------------------------------------ -- --------- 4 Birth Certificates------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - 13 Book Bags--- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13 Bu I lying Po Ii cy- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 Bus Reg u I at ions------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 14-15

Cafeteria---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 Ca re of Buildings I Grounds----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 Che c k-1 ns---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 Che c k-0 uts-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Class Weights I Fina I Senior Ran king-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 40-41

Cell Phone and Electronic Devices-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 16-17

Communicable Diseases---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 Co u n se Ii ng Services--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 Definitions of Formal Disciplinary Actions------------------------------------------------------------- -- 28 Dress Code------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32

Eligibility: Co-Curricular Activities------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ---- -· 33-34 Enrollment of Students Residing w/ Guardian----------------------------------------------------------- ----· 7 Exe m pt ions--------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 8 Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Fina nci a I Hardship Waiver---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 3

Gang Activities or Associations-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 4 7 General Eligibility Rules/ In District Transfers----------------------------------------------------------------------· 34 G rad in g Po I icy---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 3 7 G rad in g S ca I e----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 3 8 Graduation Regulations I Students w/ Disability------------------------------------------------------------------- 35-36 G r i e va n ce Po Ii cy----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 43 Habit ua I ly Disruptive Student---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 2 9 Head Lice-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 18 Immunizations - State Law------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 43 Ins u ranee for Students---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 43 Invitations---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43 Mississippi Comp u Isa ry Attendance Law------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8 Non-Activity Week I Exams & State Tests----------------------------------------------------------------------------19 Pa rents Right to Know---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 3 Participation While Serving Out-of-School/ In-School Suspension---------------------------------------------- 34 Persona I Property I Va I u ab I es--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45 Positive Behaviora I Interventions & Supports------------------------------------------------------------------------· 19-27 P raced u res for Exp u Is ion--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 30 P ro g re ss Rep o rts-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45 P ro mot i o n Po Ii cy------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 3 9-40 Re po rt Cards------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 45 Response to I nte rve n ti on Precess---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 5 Schedule Change P raced u re----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46 Schoo I Se I e ct ion-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 46 Search and Seizure----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 4 7 Senior Pr iv i I e g es------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 2 Smoking / Tobacco Use----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 4 7 Socia I Security Number-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 48 State Testing Program----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48 Student Activity Conduct Po Ii cy-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 48 Student Medications at Schoo 1------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 44-45 Subject Cho ice Sheets------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 7 Ta rd i es---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Textbook Replacement---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 51

Trans po rta ti o n-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 4 9

Use of Schoo I Fa cil it i es----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50

Vis i tat i o n to Schoo 15---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 4 9

We a pons Po I icy----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· 50

Withdrawal from School------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- 51

August 2015

Dear Parents, Students, Teachers and Administrators:

Each year we try to provide you with an opportunity to know the policies that affect the students of the CLEVELAND SCHOOL DISTRICT. This Policy Handbook has been provided so that you will have this opportunity.

This Policy Handbook, which contains the Code of Conduct, Grading Policy, and Promotion & Retention Policy, is the culmination of work by parents, teachers, and administrators. We believe the district's policies can be better implemented if our students and their parents have a clear understanding of these rules. We trust this handbook will be a valuable tool assisting us in reaching our number one goal, increased student achievement.

If after reviewing the handbook with your child, you have a question concerning a district policy; please contact the principal's office at your child's school.

Sincerely,

Be Safe • Be Responsible • Be Respectful 1

This handbook has been prepared to provide information concerning the policies and procedures of the Cleveland School District. These policies are designed to create a positive school learning climate for all students. They should be read carefully and discussed by parents/legal guardians and students.

Prohibited activities, offenses, violations, and misbehavior described in this handbook shall pertain to any student who is on school property, on the school bus, on the way to and from school, or who is in attendance at school or at a school-sponsored activity. School-sponsored activity includes, but shall not be limited to, practice, rehearsal, curricular and co- curricula activities, on and off school property, within and outside the school district.

The law also includes conduct occurring on property other than school property or other than at a school-related activity or event when such conduct by a pupil, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders that pupil's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole, and to delegate such authority to the appropriate officials of the school district. Reference: 97-37-17, 37-7-301 (e), and 37-9-71.

Every pupil of the Cleveland School District will have equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, sex, handicap, religion or marital status. No student shall be excluded on such basis from participating in or having access to any course offerings, athletics, counseling , employment assistance, and extra-curricular activities.

As provided under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, no person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

The Mississippi Public School Accountability Standard for this policy is standard 2. School Board Policy: JAA

LEGAL REF. : MS CODE 37-15-35

The Cleveland School District supports Title IX in its endeavor to strive for gender equity.


It is the desire of the Cleveland School District to inform parents of their rights, particularly in regard to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Parents have a right to request the following information which can be obtained from your child's school administrator:

A. Whether the teacher(s) has met the State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels/subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction

B. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which the State qualifications or licensing criteria have been waived

C. The degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher and the field of certification D. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications

The Cleveland School District strives to provide highly qualified teachers for all our students. However, due to serious illness and other extenuating circumstances, teachers may sometimes be absent for an extended period of time. In accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the school is required to notify the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent if an unqualified teacher is in the classroom for a period of four or more weeks.

The Cleveland School District also provides information on each child's level of achievement in each of the State academic assessments. If available, this information is shared at registration. If this information is not received, please contact the principal of the school.

In the event the Cleveland School District should have a school identified as needs improvement, the following procedures would be implemented. The district procedures to implement parent notification as required by NCLB Section 1116 include printing of the notification letter informing parents of their right to Public School Choice including the complaint process: sending this letter out to all parents of the school identified as needs improvement, having the parent responses returned to the district for review, analyzing responses to identify lowest achieving, low income students to assure these students of first placements; assigning school placements per the parent selections, and notifying parents of the school placements.

If a Title 1 school is in need of improvement, the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent may file a written complaint with the superintendent within five (5) school days of receiving notification. Decisions made by the superintendent may be appealed to the Board of Trustees by submitting a letter within two (2) school days of receiving notification from the Superintendent. The parent/ guardian may request to be placed on the board meeting agenda to present their complaint.

Under Mississippi Law, any family who cannot pay fees as designated in Cleveland School Board Policy JS, can apply for a financial hardship waiver. Circumstances, including but not limited to, current income, illness, death, or change in employment circumstances may qualify a family for the financial hardship waiver. If you qualify for the waiver, you will not have to pay the above referenced fees for the school year in which the waiver is granted. These fees are an important part of supporting your child's school. Please pay fees if they do not cause a hardship for your family. If the fee creates a hardship, then you have a right to apply for the waiver and your child will not be denied or deprived of any educational benefit. This statement is made pursuant to Miss. Code Ann 37-7-335. A Financial Hardship Waiver Form will be distributed together with the fee schedule. The Financial Hardship Waiver Form should be completed by the student's parent/legal guardian/custodial parent and submitted to the student's principal. The principal will then review the form and inform the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent whether the wavier will be granted. Ref. House Bill 833.

3 Be Safe • Be Responsible • Be Respectful

FERPA provides that an LEA that receives Department funds may not have a policy or practice of denying parents the right to:

• Inspect and review education records (34CFR 99.22). • Seek to amend educations records (34 CFR 99.20, 99.21 , and 99.31). • Consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from educational records except as specified by law (34 CFR 99.30 and 99.31 ).

These rights transfer to the student when he or she turns 18 years of age or enters a postsecondary educational institution at any age ("eligible student").

In accordance with the AHERA of 1986, the Cleveland School District has performed the required three year inspection of each district building where asbestos containing building material (ACBM) may exist.

The Cleveland School District maintains copies of the inspection results and management plan for review. Copies of these documents are available at the district administrative office, school services building and each school office. The report indicates where ACBM (if any) is located, type of ACBM, and plans to remediate ACBM if necessary.

The federal constitution does not direct itself to education; therefore, education becomes a function of the state. Local school boards are established as a part of state government and derive their authority from (1) the state constitution; (2) state legislative enactments; (3) rules and regulations of the state school board; and (4) decisions of the courts.

All freedoms and rights of the individual, as established by constitutional law, are recognized in established board policy. Board policies establish a framework of guidelines ensuring a sound operation of schools. This document outlines many relevant policies and administrative procedures used to implement these policies.


After a referral is made, the TST (Teacher Support Team) must meet and begin implementation of an intervention(s) within two weeks. No later than eight weeks after implementation of the intervention(s) the TST must conduct a documented review of the interventions to determine success of the intervention. No later than 16 weeks after implementation of the intervention(s), a second review must be conducted to determine whether the intervention is successful. If the intervention(s) is determined to be unsuccessful, then the student will be referred to the Local Survey Committee (LSC) to determine the need for a comprehensive assessment. This assessment will determine whether the student is eligible for Special Education.

In addition, failure to make adequate progress following Tiers 1 and 2, students will be referred to the TST for interventions as specified in guidelines developed by MDE if any of the following events occur.

a. Grades 1-3: A student has failed one ( 1) grade

b. Grades 4-12: A student has failed two (2) grades

c. A student failed either of the preceding two grades and has been suspended or expelled for more than twenty (20) days in the current school year

d. A student scores at the Minimal level on any part of the Grade 3 and Grade 7 state assessment.

Referrals to the Teacher Support Team generated by MSIS at the beginning of the school year must be implemented the first twenty (20) school days of a school year for students meeting any of the criteria A-D stated above. Referrals based on academic and/or behavioral concerns may be made to the TST at any time that a teacher has data to substantiate student need for an intervention.

Each administrator will establish specific procedures to be followed for students entering buildings on the campus. However, during inclement weather, students may report to specific areas designated by each school campus. The Cleveland School District will not be responsible for students arriving at school prior to 7:30 a.m. and remaining after 3:15 p.m. Students may remain on campus after 3:1 5 p.m., only if it is a supervised activity.

It is the parent's responsibility to report any change of address or telephone number to the office immediately. A current phone number where a parent/legal guardian/custodial parent can be reached in case of an emergency must be on file and current at all times.

Be Safe * Be Responsible * Be Respectful 5

The State of Mississippi provides for a uniform system of free public education for grades kindergarten through twelve. Students are required to attend school in the district where the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent is a legal resident. The student must physically reside full time, including weekdays/nights and weekends within the boundaries of the Cleveland School District. If it is proven that Proof of Residency is falsified, the student will be immediately dismissed from the Cleveland School District.

All students seeking to enroll or to continue enrolling in this district will be required to provide current proof of residency. The parent/legal guardian/custodial parent must accompany new students and provide at least two of the items listed below as verification of legal residency. Any document with a post office box as an address cannot be accepted.

• Filed Homestead Exemption application form

• Mortgage documents or property deed

• Apartment or home lease

• Current utility bills (lights, gas, water, cable)

• Automobile registration

• Affidavit of residency and/or personal visit by a designated school district official. The Affidavit of Residency is good for thirty (30) days only.

• Any other documentation that will objectively and unequivocally establish that the parent or guardian resides within the school district.

New students must also provide a certified copy of their birth certificate, a certificate of compliance with state immunization requirements (Form 121 ), and the name and address of the school formerly attended.

The above are minimum requirements set by the Cleveland School District. The school district may require additional documentation and verification at any time.


The custodial parent claiming district residency must meet the criteria .as stated under ADMISSIONS required of any parent/legal guardian. The district resident must provide the school with an affidavit stating his/her relationship to the student, and that the student will be living at his/her residence fu ll time, and provide documentation fully explaining the reason(s) other than school attendance zone or district preference for this arrangement. Example of situations where "in loco parentis" authority of an adult should be recognized to establish residency of the minor include but are not limited to the following:

A. Death or serious illness of the child's parent or legal ouardian 8 . Abandonment of the child C. Child abuse or neQlect D. Unstable family relationships or undesirable conditions in the home of the child's parents or legal

quardians havinq a detrimental effect on the child

In cases of guardianship, in addition to the proof of residency requirements, the legal guardian must provide a certified copy of the final decree of guardianship.

When a child is determined to be homeless as defined by the Stewart 8 . McKinney Act, the school district shall consider and take enrollment action that is in the best interest of the child .

The Cleveland School District offers separate alternative programs for students in grades 5-12. The alternative school was established to serve those students who have been expelled for an extended period from regular school programs. Those students with special needs that cannot be met within the regular school programs will also be served.

Assignment to the Alternative School Program will result in suspension of student involvement and attendance of all extracurricular activities. The student is also prohibited from entering any school within the district and/or being on any district property. Additionally, the student will not be allowed to attend any school function day or night. The stated restrictions also apply to any student assigned to the Alternative School who refuses to attend or withdraws from the Cleveland School District to avoid attending the Alternative School. For further details see the Alternative School Handbook.


A student benefits from good school attendance and promptness to classes. Those benefits include: (1) opportunity to expand present knowledge; (2) opportunity to learn more; (3) more opportunity to practice under the guidance of professionals; (4) opportunity to interrelate with peers; and (5) opportunity to participate in one-time unique experiences. Absences from school result in loss of "t ime on task"; and each student's absence lowers average daily attendance, resulting in a loss in state funding. The right to attend the public schools places accompanying responsibility upon students and their parents to strive for perfect attendance. Tardiness, absences, dismissals, and suspensions are all problems, which require action by school officials because each of these results in a loss of time on task. Because student attendance effects student learning, a parent conference may be required if a student has excessive absences, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused.

Compulsory school-age child means a child who has attained or will attain the age of six (6) years on or before September 1 of the calendar year and who has not attained the age of 17 years on or before September 1 of the calendar year; shall include any child who has attained or will attain the age of five (5) years on or before September 1 and has enrolled in a full day public school kindergarten program.

If a compulsory school-age child has not been enrolled in a school within fifteen (15) calendar days after the first day of the school year of which such child is eligible to attend or if a compulsory school-age child has accumulated five (5) unexcused absences during the school year, the principal or superintendent will report such absences to the school attendance officer.

The parent/legal guardian/custodial parent of a compulsory school-age student who has not been enrolled in school within fifteen (15) calendar days after the first day of the school year of the public school that such child is eligible to attend or parents/guardians of a compulsory age student who has accumulated twelve (12) unexcused absences during the school year will be reported to the school attendance officer. (37-13-91)

Any parent found in non-compliance with this law may be subject to a fine up to $1,000.00 or up to one year in jail or both.

Be Safe * Be Responsible • Be Respectful 8

SECTION I. ABSENCES

All Schools Excused absences are those absences for:

• Personal illiless; .

• Death in the family or serious illness;

• Observance of religious holidays of a student's own faith;

• School-related field trips or educational activities approved by the district and/or building administrator;

• Any special circumstances, such as court summons, family emergencies, weather extremes, etc., which require immediate action and which the school principal deems excused. The student may make up work prior to the absence. Exams will not be given early.

Excused absences as approved by the state:

• Students participating in 4-H and FFA organized sponsored events will be excused for up to five (5) events per academic year.

• An excuse must be provided in writing to the superintendent by the Extension Agent or high school Agricultural instructor or FFA advisor.

• For students who are officially employed to serve as a page at the State Capitol for the Mississippi House of Representatives or Senate, the absences from school will be excused. '

When a student is absent for reasons that are not school-related, the student must present to the office a signed note from the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent, regardless of the reason for the absence. A student is limited to five (5) days per year which may be excused by parental notes. After five (5) absences in a year, the student must present a statement from a medical doctor that the absence was for a medical reason.

In order for any absence (except number four (4) above) to be excused, the student must submit a note signed by the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent stating the reason for the absence. The student must submit this written excuse to the proper school official within 48 hours of the absence. If no excuse is presented, the absence(s) will be considered unexcused. Also, as stated above, after five (5) absences in a year from any class, only absences due to medical reasons will be excused and documentation of those reasons must be received from a medical doctor on the day the student returns to school.

If no excuse is presented, or if it is proven that the excuse has been falsified, the absence(s) will be considered unexcused.


Unexcused absences:

• A student who receives an unexcused absence, for failure to bring a proper written excuse, must present proper documentation within 48 hours of their return to school, to receive an excused absence.

• Students transported between schools during the school day will be allowed one excused absence due to missing the bus.

SECTION II: ABSENTEE LIMITS

A. School Attendance Officer will be notified when a student has reached:

• Five (5) unexcused absences

• Ten (10) unexcused absences

• 12 unexcused absences

B. In order to participate in a school activity (play in or practice), a student must be in 100% attendance that day unless the principal approves their participation.

C. For a student to be marked present, the student must be in attendance for a minimum 63% of the instructional day.

D. If they are counted absent for a check in or check out because they were not in attendance for 63% of the day, an excuse must be presented.

Appeal Procedure An appeal may be made for students who have missed more than the allotted number of total days/periods.

The following steps must be followed:

1. Within five (5) school days after receiving notification that the student has exceeded the allotted number of absences, a letter requesting a policy waiver must be submitted by the parent or guardian to the principal. Attached to this letter should be copies of documentation verifying the reason(s) for the absences.

2. The principal will decide to approve or disapprove the request and notify the parent/legal guard ian/custodial parent in writing of the decision. At the principal's discretion, a teacher/administrator committee may review each case and make a nonbinding recommendation to the principal.

3. Requests not approved by the principal may be appealed by the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent to the superintendent by submitting a letter within two (2) school days of receiving notification that the request was denied.

4 . Decisions made by the superintendent may be appealed to the Board of Trustees through the superintendent by submitting a letter within two (2) school days of receiving notification that the request was denied.

10 Be Safe * Be Responsible * Be Respectful

SECTION Ill: MAKE UP CREDIT When an absence, tardy, or suspension causes a student to miss class time, that student shall be given the opportunity to make up work. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for the make up to be completed as soon as possible but not to exceed five (5) days. If the student does not make up the work and/or project within this timeframe, the student will receive a zero (0).

SECTION IV: TARDIES Students arriving at school after classes have begun will be considered tardy. Students are considered tardy the first 15 minutes after the start of first period. The Cleveland School District recognizes the following reasons as excused tardies:

EXCUSED TARDIES Excused tardies shall include:

• Tardies ·due to late CSD transportation, other school related actions which will be considered excused and not recorded against the pupil's tardy record.

• Medical appointments with doctors, dentists, or other medical staff, if accompanied by a medical excuse provided by the doctor.

• Special circumstances such as natural disasters, weather, etc., acceptable to the building administrator.

• Any student who is tardy for any reason other than those listed above will be issued a detention .

• Once a student accumulates three (3) tardies, the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent must sign the student in at the office. The student will receive a detention, or in school suspension, and /or be given a writing assignment.

SECTION V: DISMISSALS - CHECK-OUTS

Once a student arrives at school, the student (regardless of age) should remain the entire day. Students must follow the check-out procedure as outlined below with no exception:

• For a check-out, a student's parent, guardian, or designee must be listed on the Student's Information Form in order to sign the student out of school in the office.

• For a pre-arranged check-out, the parent or designee may come by the office to sign the student out.

• In order to maintain an environment conducive to testing, no check-outs will be allowed during the examination periods. All students must remain in the classroom for the entire exam period.

• Parent/designee may check out a student for any reason five (5) times during a year. Any time thereafter, the checkout must be for a medical reason or an emergency. Otherwise, the check out will be considered an unexcused absence.


SECTION VI: CHECK-INS Students must follow the check-in procedure as outlined below with no exception:

• For students arriving to school 25 minutes after the first bell has sounded, the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent must sign the student in through the office.

Elementary school day - 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Secondary school day- 7:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

• For a prearranged check-in, the parent or designee must come by the office in advance to sign the student back into school.

• During examination days, students may not check-in during an exam . Once an examination has begun; no student will be admitted.

Prohibited Activities It shall be against school policy for any student who is on school property, on the school bus, on the way to and from school, in attendance at school, or at a school-sponsored activity:

1. To sell, supply, give, or attempt to give to a person any of the substances listed or described in this policy or what a student represents or believes to be any of the substances listed or described in this policy.

2. To possess, procure, purchase, or attempt to possess, procure, or purchase; to be under the influence of (legal intoxication not required); or to use or consume, or attempt to use or consume, the substances listed or described in this policy or what is represented by, or to, the student to be any of the substances listed in this policy, or what the student believes is any of the substances listed or described in this policy.

3. To possess drug paraphernalia.


Prohibited Substances

1. All medication must be administered in the school office and only when written authorization/instructions from parent/legal guardian/custodial parent are on file. Students who fail to comply with this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action.

2. Alcohol or alcoholic beverages.

3. Any abuse of prescription or non-prescription drugs, medicine, vitamins, or other chemicals including, but not limited to, aspirin, other pain relievers, stimulants, diet pills, multiple or other type vitamins, pep pills, "no doze" pills, cough medicines and syrups, cold medicines, laxatives, stomach or digestive remedies, depressants, and sleeping pills.

4. Any controlled substance (drug, substance, or immediate precursor described in, but not limited to, Schedule I through V of Sections 41-29-121 of the Mississippi Code) including, but not limited to, marijuana, any narcotic drug, any hallucinogen, any stimulant, or any depressant or any "look alike" drug or counterfeit substance represented to be, or believed to be, any of the substances listed or described in this policy.

5. Any abuse of glue or aerosol paint or any other chemical substance including, but not limited to, lighter fluid and duplicating fluid for inhalation.

6. Any drug and/or chemicals not mentioned above will also be covered under this section.

Prohibited Substances and Penalties Any student engaging in prohibited activities and/or in violation of prohibited substances shall be immediately suspended no more than nine (9) days and referred to the District Hearing Committee for a hearing for possible expulsion.

Parents/legal guardians/custodial parent may expect their child to be placed in the custody of police if the situation warrants. If any controlled substance is found on the person or in any vehicle of the person, the police will be immediately notified. Per existing legislation, students that possess or use tobacco products will be reported to the Police Department.

According to state law, an official birth certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics is required upon registration. The certificate must be examined and the information recorded on the cumulative/permanent record before a student can be officially enrolled in the public schools.

Book bags are subject to search at any time a principal or designee has probable cause or reasonable suspicion.


Riding the school bus is a privilege that can be revoked if proper conduct is not followed. Students shou ld not jeopardize this privilege by failing to conduct themselves in a proper and reasonable manner.

Loading and U I d. n oa Ing

1. Be at you r assigned loading zone on time.

2. If you must walk to the bus stop and there are no sidewalks, face the traffic so that drivers can see you and you can see them.

3. Do not play on or near the road while waiting for the bus.

4 . If you must cross the road, do not cross until the bus arrives and has given you the signal to cross. Look both ways before crossing.

5. When crossing the road, always cross at least six (6) feet in front of the bus.

6. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before trying to load or un load.

7. Never get under a bus for any reason.

8. When leaving the bus, move away from the loading zone as soon as possible, but do not run.

9. There will be no loading or unloading at any place other than the school or the student's regular bus stop.

10. Permission to ride another bus may be granted only in cases of extreme emergency. A parent note, email or fax will be required.

11. Student seating may be assigned by the driver.

While on the Bus:

1. Do not talk to the driver or distract the driver's attention except in an emergency.

2. Do not make unnecessary noise.

3. Keep head, hands, and objects inside the bus.

4. Do not bring unauthorized objects onto the bus.

5. Be courteous to the driver and fellow passengers.

6. Follow instructions of the driver and the safety patrol.

7. No balloon-a-grams will be allowed on any school district bus.


SEVERE BUS OFFENSES: Policy Violations or Threats to Safety

SEVERE MINOR

Suspended from riding bus for one (1) Conference with student 1st Report week or removal for remainder of

semester (parent conference required)

Suspended from bus for two (2) weeks Suspended from riding bus for three (3) days (Parent will be notified) 2nd Report or removal for remainder of semester

(parent conference required)

Suspended from riding bus for Suspended from bus for five (5) days. (Parent conference)

3rd Report remainder of semester or school year (parent conference required)

4th Report Suspended from bus for ten (10) days. (Parent conference)

Suspended for remainder of semester or school year (Parent 5th Report conference)

.. Major offenses may result m immediate suspension from riding the bus for the remainder of the semester or year.

The Food Service Department provides meals that meet federal nutrition guidelines in all school cafeterias. To comply with federal and state regulations, the following regulations are established:

1. The Food Service Department will make substitutions in the daily menu for any student requiring such needs. A prescription written by a licensed physician must be provided in order for the student to receive modified meals.

2. No food items will be sold on campus for one hour before the start of any meal serving period and until after the last meal is served.

3. With the exceptic;ns of bottled water, milk, and milk-based ice cream, a student may purchase individual items of the meal only if a fu ll meal is purchased.

4. Extra food items sold will be foods that are a part of the approved federal meal program.

5. Students who bring lunches from home can purchase only milk, milk-based ice cream, and bottled water.


School buildings, grounds, and equipment are public property purchased with tax dollars. Students should take pride in helping to keep buildings and equipment in good condition. Mississippi Code 37-11-53 states that the school is entitled to recover up to $20,000.00 in damages from the parents of a student ages 7 to 17 who maliciously and willfully damages or destroys district property.

Modern technology has a major role to play in the educational arena and when used properly can produce many benefits for students, teachers, and others. However, while many benefits are possible, such technology can also be the cause of many distractions through misuse.

Electronic devices may be brought on middle and high school campuses and allowed on elementary campuses at the principal's discretion. Students may be allowed to use them before school, after school, during break, and during lunch in approved locations. Teachers may allow use during class, at their discretion, as it relates to the instructional process. The devices are only permissible if designated by the building level administrator and is a part of the teacher's lesson plan.

The devices must be put away and turned off at all other times, including class change. Headphones may only be used in the classroom with teacher approval.

The use of cell phones on school property is a privilege. The misuse or inappropriate use of cell phones will result in the privilege being revoked .

Unauthorized use of a cell phone or other electronic device during the school day shall subject a student to disciplinary action which may include the following:

• Fines • In-school detention • Out of school suspension

If an electronic device is confiscated for unauthorized use, it will be returned only to the parent or legal guardian.

Possession of cell phones and other electronic equipment is strictly prohibited in any room during testing. Violation of this policy during mandated testing shall invalidate the student's test.

Students are not to use material or text messaging to invade personal privacy or harass another person, or disrupt the instructional day, or engage in dishonest acts. Students who allow electronic devices to become a distraction, use them to attempt cheating on tests, to bully or intimidate others, to take unauthorized photographs without consent or similar activities, may face disciplinary measures beyond just confiscation. Any violation may also, at the discretion of the principal, result in additional disciplinary action . Other disciplinary action may include, but are not limited to, detention, in school suspension, out of school suspension, or alternative school placement.


The following are inappropriate uses of electronic signaling devices:

• Harassment

• Threats • Intimidation

• Electronic forqerv

• Cvber bullvinq I cvber threats

• Invasion of personal riqhts

• Cheatinq on tests I exams

• Other forms of illeqal behavior durinq instructional and non-instructional day Devices confiscated for inappropriate use will be held according to the following schedule.

First Offense $25.00 fine - Parent must report to the principal's office to pick up device and pay fine

Second Offense $50.00 fine - Parent must report to the principal's office to pick up device and pay fine

Third Offense $100.00 fine - Parent must report to the principal's office to pick up device and pay fine

After third offense The device will be kept in the school office for the remainder of the school year.

Failure to give up Student will be assigned to ISS for up to three (3) days and must pay the fine phone based on the number of offenses.

NOTE: The school district does not accept responsibility for lost or misplaced electronic devices. The school district shall not be held responsible for any fees associated with the use of personal devices.

The principal has a specific responsibility for control of communicable diseases in this district. When the school determines that a problem exists, the administrator will advise the parent of the required action to be taken as outlined in board policy. Chicken pox, head lice, impetigo, measles, mumps, pink eye, and ringworm are among the more common diseases requiring action. Frequently, exclusion from school is required; some instances will require a written statement from the family doctor or the public health department for a student to return to school.


While head lice do not transmit any human diseases, they are a considerable nuisance and require a cooperative effort on the part of parents and school officials to control. When a teacher suspects that a child has head lice or nits; the parent/ guardian will be notified confidentially by telephone, email, or note sent home. The parent will be asked to treat the student with an approved over-the-counter head lice treatment. A student noted to have lice more than three (3) separate times in a school year should be referred to the Mississippi State Health Department for treatment.

Please do not panic if you receive a phone call or letter - just follow the steps below to easily take care of the problem.

1. Check your child's head often. If head lice or nits are detected, check every member of the family. Lice are hard to spot, so look for tiny white eggs (nits) on hair shafts, near the scalp, especially at the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Head lice are small, wingless, grayish-tan insects. They are very contagious. They are spread through sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, scarves, hats, sleeping bags, stuffed animals, etc. To minimize the risk of repeated outbreaks, remind you child not to share these items.

2. Use an effective head lice treatment. Use any head lice medication, called a pediculicide. Most are effective with one application and will protect from reinfestation for two weeks. They come in a variety of forms: shampoo, creme rinse, and lotion.

3. Remove all nits. Nits cannot be washed away like dirt or dandruff; they must be removed with a special comb or with your fingers. Gently comb the child's hair with the special nit removal comb or pull them out one-by-one with your finger nails. Some creme rinses help make combing easier. A student must be nit-free before coming back to school.

4 . Wash clothes, bed linens, and towels. Use hot water, then dry on the hot cycle for at least 20 minutes or have items dry-cle!,med. Items such as stuffed animals, headphones, hats or other items that are not machine washable should be stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed plastic bag for at least two weeks.

5. Soak combs, brushes, etc. in hot water. The hotter the better, but the temperature should be a least 130 degrees. Items should soak for at least 1 O minutes.

6. Vacuum everywhere. To make sure the rest of your home is lice free, you should vacuum carpets, pillows, mattresses, upholstered furniture, even car seats.

Thank you for helping check your child's head often and treating your child when needed. Routine checking and early detection are the best on-going prevention.

Schools have the responsibility to provide a counseling program and to make relevant and objective information available to students. The counselors are available to all students or parents for assistance in helping plan educational programs and to make necessary adjustments to various phases of school activities. Schools with counselors will keep written records which indicate an individual contact with students. High school counselors will meet with each senior and junior student during the school year and maintain a written record.


There will not be any out of town co-curricu lar (interscholastic athletic events/cheerleading, performing arts groups, school clubs or organizations, band, etc.) activities scheduled during semester exams or state testing. All activities must conclude by 6:00 p.m. during semester exams and/or state testing. All activities may resume normal activities at 3:10 p.m. the last day of testing. All participants whether junior high or high school must comply with this regulation. Any exceptions to this must have prior approval from the Superintendent.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PSIS) is a proven, research and evidence-based discipline program that emphasizes school-wide systems of support that include strategies for defining, teaching , modeling and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments.

PSIS emphasizes teaching students to behave in ways that contribute to academic achievement and school success and that support a school environment where students and school staff are responsible and respectful. PSIS also emphasizes the need for school staff to promote appropriate behaviors by teaching, modeling, reinforcing, and monitoring appropriate behaviors and by treating many minor mis-behaviors as "teaching moments" rather than punishment opportunities. PSIS recognizes that effective school discipline is anchored to meaningful corrective instruction and guidance that offers students an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and contribute to the school community. PSIS also involves ongoing monitoring of discipline data to ensure equitable school-based discipline practices are implemented in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. The Policy Handbook compliments and supports the district-wide implementation of PSIS to foster student academic and behavioral success.


Academic success is directly correlated with instructional time received by the student.

In the effort to fully implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and reduce the loss of instructional time due to out-of-school suspensions and expulsions, each school with the Cleveland School District will utilize a wide variety of corrective strategies that do not remove children from valuable instructional time.

Corrective Strategies, also known as alternatives to suspension and expulsion, include but are not limited to:

• Contact and/or conference with parent/legal guardian/custodial parent. • Behavioral contracts and/or Behavior Support Plans • Check-in/Check-out • Home/school communication system • Reflective activity • Loss of privilege • Schedule adjustment • Referral to the school counselor • Teaching, Modeling of expectations and skills • Written apology • Short-term Behavioral Progress Reports (Daily/Weekly) • Seat change • Self-charting of behavior • Refer the student to the Response to Intervention Team • Conflict resolution/Appropriate Communication/Social Skills • Temporary removal from classroom (not more than one hour) • Temporary classroom change • Mentoring restitution • Bus -Assigned seat • Bus - Probation • Bus suspension (see School Bus Regulations) • After-school detention • Saturday School • In School Suspension (ISS) • Detention - Before or After school • Supervised work assignment (before, during, and/or after school) • Parent Monitoring


Examples of Possible Corrective Strategies: District-wide Expected Level 1 Infractions Multiple strategies may be used depending on individual

Behavioral Behaviors student's needs.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Expectations

Being in an unauthorized area First Infraction:

BE SAFE Walk in hallways Student is observed by an adult to be in an area on school district property • Re-teach the behavioral expectations

Stay to the right and that is designated by administration as being off limits. • Provide a reflective activity

keep moving Bus Violation • Behavior packets

Stay in your assigned Student fails to follow bus rules, and/or fails to follow the explicit directions • Letter of warning (Minor Infraction

seat of the bus driver while riding on the school bus. Forms, etc.)

No hall pass Repeated Infractions:

Keep all objects to • Contact and/or conference with yourself Student is observed by an adult and/or administrator being out of class parent/legal guardian/custodial parent

and/or assigned area during instructional time without an approved hall • Implement a home/school pass.

communication system Throwing objects • Student conference Tossing item(s) without intent to harm, i.e. throwing paper, spitballs, etc. • Loss of privilege

Computer abuse (Off Task) • Seat change

BE Arrive to class on time Student engages in inappropriate use of computer that does not violate • Short-term Behavior Progress Report

RESPONSIBLE and participate in Acceptable Use Policy-AUP. • Self-charting of behavior class Example: Accessing sites not assigned by instructor. • Bus - assigned seats

Dress appropriately Dress Code Violation • Referral to the school counselor

Student wears clothing and/or dresses in a manner that is not consistent • Refer the student to the Response to Use good manners

with the policy practiced by the school district. Intervention Team • After-school detention

Forged note • In-School Detention Student signs another person's name on a note and/or other written • Parent Monitoring document without the other person's permission.

After more than three {3} level one infractions {not occurring within the same school day), mandatory referral to an administrator to make an assessment and determine appropriate intervention. The student's teacher will also present documented corrective strategies to school administrator.


Violation of classroom rules I Noncompliance BE Follow the teacher's Student fails to follow classroom rules or fails to follow explicit directions in

RESPECTFUL directions and use the classroom. Example: Student engages in passive/noncompliance or positive language with refuses to participate in a non-confrontational manner. peers Disrespect for authority Promptly and politely After being redirected by an adult, student continues to engage in minor follow adult requests disrespectful behavior such as "eye-rolling", sighing, etc.

Ask permission before Profanity (Not directed) talking out or leaving Language used in normal conversation or in relation to frustration with assigned area demands by is not used as a form of intentional disrespect towards school

Use "6 inch" voice personnel and/or peers.

Always use Inappropriate communication

appropriate language Repeated put downs over time or making fun of or negatively talking about a person or their family. Examples: Negative racial or personal comments.

Inappropriate physical contact Student engages in mild, physical contact that does not result in serious bodily harm. Example: Pushing, shoving, tripping

Public display of Affection

Level 1 lnfractians - Discipline incidents that should be managed by the teacher and do not warrant a discipline referral or administrative assistance. Any behavior that is of low level intensity, passive in nature and/or of a non-threatening manner Is a level 1 behavior. Infractions in this category may require corrective strategies that do NOT involve removal from instruction (in-schaol suspensian or out-af-schoal suspension).

22 Be Safe • Be Responsible * Be Respectful

District-wide Examples Possible Corrective Behavioral of Level 2 Infractions Strategies:

Expectations Expected Multiple strategies may be used

Behaviors depending on individual student's needs. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list.

Solve Bus Disturbance 1.Student Conference BE SAFE Student performs any behavior that interrupts the daily routine(s) of school bus operations that problems 2.Parental Contact peacefully compromises the safety of others. Examples: Throwing objects, hitting bus driver with objects If the principal determines that

or any behavior that seriously affects the driver's ability to maintain control. Example: Requires Obey all bus driver to stop bus.

discipline action is warranted:

school rules 3.lmplement appropriate corrective Campus disturbance strategies:

Make Student performs any behavior that disturbs or interrupts the daily routine(s) of school • Home/school healthy operations that interrupts more than the students in a single classroom. Example: Loud communication system choices noises, actions that draw a crowd, etc. • Short-term behavioral

Traffic violation reports

Student violates any state or federal regulations as it relates to traffic laws. • Re-teach the behavior expectations

Take care Electronic Telecommunication Device • In-School suspension BE

of school Student has an electronic device in visible possession, but not being used during the • Provide a meaningful RESPONSIBLE

property instructional day. (per campus policy) reflective activity

and ask Cutting Class • Written apology

before Student fails to attend regular scheduled class without an excuse on days when present at • Loss of privilege

borrowing school. • Mentoring other • Restitution people's

Defacing property while at school • Create a behavior contract Student commits any act that causes destruction, damage, or defacement of public or private

property property that would not require repair and or replacement of property. Accidents or acts that or behavior intervention

Attend all are self-reported to the property owner and/or administration are excluded from this definition. plan for either a student

classes on Examples: Writing or carving on desk, throwing toilet paper in commode, defacing textbook. with disabilities or a regular education student that time Excessive tardiness includes expected student

Attend Habitual failure to be present at the beginning of the school day and/or at the beginning of the behavior, incentives and school daily class period prior to sounding of the tardy bell following the school's PBIS Discipline Ladder. consequences

Leaving campus • Check-in I check-out

Student leaves the school campus on regular school d.ay without permission from • Conflict

administration. Resolution/Communication and Social Skills

Missing assigned detention • Referral to school Student fails to report to assigned discipline (i.e. Saturday school, In-school detention, after- counselor school detention) without written permission from administration. • After-school detention

2 3 Be Safe * Be Responsible * Be Respectful

BE RESPECTFUL

Consider other people's feelings and respect personal space of others

Politely follow adult requests

Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself at all times

Skipping school /Truancy Student leaves campus and/or fails to attend school on regular school day(s) without a valid excuse and written permission from administration.

Cell phone (Use/Turned On) I Electronic device Student engages in the unauthorized use of cell phone, pager, music/video players, camera and/or other electrical device without permission from an administrator.

Aggressive Inappropriate Physical Contact Student engages in aggressive physical contact that does not result in serious bodily harm.

Class Disturbance Student displays behaviors that cause continue interruptions to instruction. Includes, but is not limited to sustained loud talking, yelling or screaming, making noises, th rowing objects, and/or sustained out of seat behavior. Student continues to violate classroom rules after committing more than three (3) Level 1 Infractions that have been proactively addressed by the classroom faculty member using proactive PBIS strategies.

Indecent behavior Student performs, writes, and/or draws pictures/images that are considered indecent, offensive, disgusting and/or disturbing according to local community social norms.

Profane I Obscene communication Use of verbal and/or gestural communication that includes swearing, name calling, vulgar/obscene words, jokes of a sexual nature, and/or the use of words in an inappropriate manner.

Threatening Student delivers disrespectful messages to peers with no intent to follow-through. Example: Getting mad and threatening to hurt him/her.

Harassing or intimidating communications Repeated use of words, gestures, photographs, drawings or any other form of communication to intimidate, harass, or threaten another person, placing him/her in reasonable fear of harm.

• Bus probation • Bus suspension • Supervised work • Saturday school • . In-school detention • Temporary removal from

class • Schedule adjustment • In-school suspension • Parent Monitoring

MANDATORY: Any student receiving his/her third removal from instruction by either ISS and/or OSS during any given semester shall be referred by the school administrator to the school's Response to Intervention Team to determine whether supplemental and/or intensive intervention strategies and supports are necessary to address student's behavior.

Note: In the event a student receives his/her THIRD Level 2 Infraction referral, the school administrator will ensure that Level 2 corrective strategies were utilized for the first two Level 2 infractions before treating the third Infraction as Level 3 Infraction.

Level 2 Infractions - Discipline incidents that should be managed by the teacher with the possible assistance from an administrator. These infractions will be addressed with corrective strategies that will NOT include removal from school (out-of-school suspension).

24 Be Safe • Be Responsible * Be Respectful

District-wide Behavioral

Expectations

BE SAFE

BE RESPONSIBLE

BE RESPECTFUL

Examples of Expected Behaviors

Solve problems peacefully

Obey all school rules

Stay tobacco free

Make healthy choices

Take care of school property and ask before borrowing other people's property

Use computers responsibly

Keep cell phones stowed away during school

Consider other people's feelings and respect personal space of others

Politely follow adult requests

Be Safe * Be Responsible * Be Respectful

;;,) •If !.I •~TE~h"i C tt: ."";.'-1 ,j; ,_._..,. --Level 3 Infractions

Campus disturbance Student performs any behavior that interrupts the daily routine(s) of school operations that compromises the safety of others and interrupts more than the students in a single classroom. Example: false fire alarm, making bomb threats, igniting stink/smoke bombs, instigating or inciting unrest, etc.

Fighting (Zero Tolerance) Involvement in acts involving serious physical contact where injury may occur (e.g., hitting, punching, hitting with foreign object, kicking, etc.)

Illegal activity Stud~nt performing any unlawful act under State or Federal law not otherwise described in the Policy Handbook for Student definitions.

Possessing a lighter I tobacco I vapor pen Student possess lighter or possesses, uses, distributes, or sells tobacco products on school grounds, at school sponsored events, and/or when using school district transportation.

Smoking Student is observed by an adult smoking or using any tobacco products on school grounds, at school sponsored events, and/or when using school district transportation.

Stealing Student is found to be in possession of, having passed on, and/or to be responsible for removing someone else's property without the property owner's permission.

Vandalism Student participates in a deliberate, willful, and substantial destruction of school and/or personal property on school grounds and/or at school sponsored events.

Violation of Computer Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Student fails to comply with written district, Board Approved Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

Bullying (Coercion/Extortion) Bullying is defined as a pattern of behavior that is directly or indirectly focused towards another student to alter or control the student's behavior in a detrimental manner through actions which are emotional, verbal, written, sexual, racist, e lectronic or physical. Repeatedly forcing an individual over time to act in a directed unwilling way either by physical force or intimidation, repeatedly over time attempting to obtain or obtaining a person's money or property by physical force or intimidation.

Possible Corrective Strategies: Multiple strategies may be used depending

on individual student's needs. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list.

For Level 3 infractions, the following steps must be implemented:

1. MANDATORY investigation of infraction

2. MANDATORY parent contact to inform parent of accusation and status of investigation. Parent will be given the option to attend the student conference.

3. MANDATORY student conference

If the principal determines that discipline action is warranted: Implement appropriate corrective strategies:

• Create home/school communication system

• Re-teach the behavior expectations

• In School Suspension • Provide a meaningful reflective

activity • Loss of privilege • Create a behavior contract or

behavior intervention plan for either a student with disabilities or a regular education student behavior, incentives and consequences for infractions

• Check-in I check-out • Mentoring I Peer mediation • After-school detention • Saturday School • In School Detention • Temporary classroom change • Schedule adjustment • Parent Monitoring

25

Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself at all times

Habitually Violates School Rules Student continues to violate school rules after receiving greater than three (3) written referrals for other Level 2 Infractions. Examples: Repeated class disturbances, repeated profanity

Harassment (other than sexual) Student delivers disrespectful message (verbal or gestural) to another person. Disrespectful messages may include comments based on race, religion, age, gender, and/or national origin; sustained or intense verbal attacks based on ethnic origin, disabilities, or other personal/family matters. Intense use of profanity towards a staff or faculty member.

Inflict Bodily Injury Involvement in any form of physical aggression that results in bodily harm or injury to another person(s).

Sexual Harassment Student engages in unwanted or unwelcomed verbal, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature that results in the creation of a hostile educational environment that impedes the ability of another student or students to participate in or benefit from the educational program. Example: spreading sexual rumors, repeatedly pressuring others for dates or unwanted sexual activity, repeated teasing of a sexual nature, repeated unwanted sexual remarks or jokes, and/or repeated unwelcomed touching or grabbing.

Threatening / Intimidation Student delivers disrespectful and/or intimidating messages (verbal, gestural, or written) that convey an explicit or implied threat and/or harm directed toward another student and/or adult, and which convey the intent to carry out such or threat or harm as well as the knowledge and capacity to do so.

Unfounded charge against authority Student accuses any staff member of any act that is unlawful and/or a violation of school policy that is determined to be unfounded and not supported by any evidence.

Throwing objects that can injure Student throws any foreign object toward another person that is heavy, sharp, or otherwise perceived to be harmful and/or with such velocity and force that is capable of causing harm or injury.

Willful disobedience Student fails to follow adult directions or directives after more than three (3) documented attempts by the adult to use PBIS methods, such as redirecting, re-teaching and modeling behavior to gain the compliance of the student.

• Suspension at the discretion of the principal taking into consideration the results of the school-level investigation.

An administrator must present documented prevention and intervention strategies that have been implemented after each infraction following the discipline ladder.

MANDATORY Any student receiving his/her third removal from instruction by either ISS and/or OSS during any given semester shall be referred by the school administrator to the school's Response to Intervention Team to determine whether supplemental and/or intensive intervention strategies and supports are necessary to address studenfs behavior.

MANDATORY Any student receiving IDEA services that receives his/her third removal from instruction by either ISS and/ or OSS during any given semester will have revisions made to his/her Functional Behavior Assessment, Behavioral Intervention Plan, and/or Individual Education Program.

Level 3 Infractions - Discipline incidents that significantly interfere with ethers' safety and learning, are of a threatening or harmful nature, and/or are legal violations and warrant administrative interventions. Committing a Level 3 infraction does NOT necessarily result in a school removal as schaal administrators shall attempt ta utilize other corrective actions as deemed appropriate on a case by case basis.


District-wide Examples of Possible Corrective Strategies: Behavioral Expected Level 4 Infractions Multiple strategies will be used depending on individual

student's needs. Expectations Behaviors This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Ask for help if Alcohol possession and/or use/distribution For Level 4 Infractions, the following steps must you are not safe. be implemented: (First Offence) BE SAFE The possession, sale, purchase, or use of alcoholic beverages. Use should

Refrain from be reports only if the person is caught in the act of using or is discovered to 1. MAN DATO RY _investigation

accepting have used in the course of the investigation. 2. MANDATORY parent contact to inform

alcohol and Drugs (Use, possession and/or distribution) parent of accusation and status of drugs. Student is found to possess, use, cultivate, manufacture, distribute, purchase investigation. Parent will be given the

or be under the influence of any illegal drug, narcotic, controlled substance, option to attend the student conference. Report or substance represented to be an illegal drug, narcotic, or controlled 3. MANDATORY student conference observation of substance. alcohol or drugs If the principal determines that discipline action to appropriate is warranted: staff personnel or administrator. MANDATORY school level conference with Be cooperative Explosives / Incendiary device I Objects

student, parent, principal or designee and staff in the event of member(s) involved to determine and implement BE RESPONSIBLE Student is in possession of substance I objects that are readily capable of appropriate corrective strategies an emergency. causing bodily harm or injury - firecrackers, gasoline, lighter fluid, homemade MANDATORY referral to the Response to Follow school explosive device, taser, pepper spray, etc. Intervention Team to make an assessment and safety plan.

Possessing a knife determine appropriate intervention

MANDATORY referral to school counselor. Never bring Student possesses any form of knife and/or blade device

MANDATORY referral to law enforcement in weapons to

Possessing a weapon prohibited by federal law cases of alcohol and other drugs, guns, and school. explosives.

Any firearm (real or otherwise), ammunition. explosive device, knife, or other Implement other appropriate corrective strategies: object that can place a person in reasonable fear or apprehension of serious • Re-teach the behavior expectations harm that is on the student's person and/or in the student's belongings,

• Loss of privilege locker, and/or any other personal storage space. • Create a behavior contract or

Attempt to solve Serious bodily injury behavior intervention plan that includes

BE RESPECTFUL problems in a Student inflicts serious bodily harm on another person that requires law expected student behavior, incentives for

non- enforcement and/or medical intervention(s). demonstrating expected behavior and confrontational consequences for infractions manner.

Battery of a staff or faculty member • Social skills group

Be cooperative A severe act of physical aggression against a faculty/staff member with a Suspension and/or recommendation for expulsion reasonable intent to harm. at the discretion of the principal taking into in the event of

consideration the results of the school-level an emergency. investigation and any other unique circumstances

2 7 Be Safe * Be Responsible * Be Respectful

Before I After School Detention Hall

In-School Suspension

Disciplinary Probation

Work Assignments/Saturday Detention

Suspension

School Bus Suspension

Expulsion

Expulsion Appeal

Be Safe • Be Responsible • Be Respectful

Each individual school (elementary and secondary) will advise parents as to the type and rules of after school detention where applicable. Parents are responsible for pickinq up students.

All daily assignments are given in advance to the supervisor/teacher so that the students will not lose educational opportunities. Students who are assigned to ISS may also be required to work on school facilities and grounds as the principal sees fit.

For a specified period of time, the student is required to report to a staff member who will assist in monitoring the student's adjustment to the school situation. While on probation, the student may not partic ipate in any extracurricular activitv.

Schools having work assignments/Saturday detention, the student will work in supervised activities related to the maintenance of school facilities. Work assignments will not be assigned durinq an academic class period.

Suspension is the temporary dismissal of a student from his/her regular school program. While on suspension, students will not be allowed to participate in or attend any school functions.

Any type of student misconduct on a school bus may result in suspension from the school bus. By definition, school bus suspension means that the student is denied the privilege of riding a school bus. This particular disciplinary action is enforced only for misconduct on a school bus. In such cases, transportation shall be provided by parent or leqal quardian, but not the Cleveland School District.

The student loses the right and obligation to attend a Cleveland School District school for the remainder of that school year, or for any period deemed necessary by the Cleveland School District Board of Trustees, or its designee. Students may not return to any school campus or any school related activity.

Once a student is expelled from the Cleveland School District, the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent must petition the school board before the student can be readmitted. Section 37-15-9(3)

2 8

This section establishes definitions for "disruptive behavior" and "habitually disruptive" students.

• Disruptive behavior is defined as conduct that is so unruly, disruptive or abusive that it seriously interferes with a school teacher's or administrator's ability to communicate with students in the classroom, with students' abil ity to learn, or with the operations of a school or school related activity, and which is not covered by other laws related to violence or possession of weapons or controlled substances on school property, school vehicles or at school related activities. Such behaviors include, but are not limited to, foul, profane, obscene, threatening, defiant or abusive language or action toward teachers or other school employees; defiance, ridicule or verbal attack of a teacher; and willful, deliberate and overt acts of disobedience of the directions of a teacher. ·

• Habitually disruptive student refers to the action of a student who has caused disruption in a classroom, on school property or vehicles or at a school related activity on more than two (2) occasions during a school year and which was initiated by the student and required the attention of school personnel to deal with the disruption. No student shall be considered habitually disruptive before the development of a behavior modification plan by the principal, teacher, and parent.

• Any student who is thirteen (13) years of age or older for whom a behavior modification plan is developed by school principal, reporting teacher and student's parent and which student does not comply with the plan shall be deemed habitually disruptive and subject to expulsion on the occurrence of the third act of disruptive behavior during a school year.

After the second act of disruptive behavior during a school year by a student, a psychological evaluation shall be performed.

Refer to Ms. Code 37-11-18.1, Expulsion of habitually disruptive students aged 13 years and older upon third occurrence of disruptive behavior within school year.

Prior to suspension from school

1. The student will be given oral and written notice of the charges against him/her. 2. The student will have an opportunity to present his/her side of the incident.

If the charge of an offense leads to suspension, the parents will be advised of the reason prior to the end of the school day.

If possible, a conference or written notification should precede the student's suspension from school. However, if the immediate suspension of the student appears justified because the student's presence endangers others or endangers school property or would seriously disrupt the orderly academic process, the necessary notice and conference will follow as soon as practicable. The parent/legal guardian/custodial parent/designee must pick up the student from school immediately.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL A STUDENT BE SENT FROM SCHOOL WITHOUT PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN/CUSTODIAL PARENT BEING NOTIFIED AND PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN/CUSTODIAL PARENT PICKING UP CHILD FROM SCHOOL. ONLY IF CHARGES ARE BEING FILED WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, MAY THE STUDENT BE TRANSPORTED BY THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.


The principal is initially responsible for determining that an offense for which suspension for greater than 10 days or expulsion may be warranted has been committed. Once a decision is made that the offense is one which could result in expulsion, a district hearing is mandatory. After advising the student in writing of the pending charges and providing the student with an opportunity to refute said charges, and if the principal finds reasonable grounds to believe a student in his/her school has committed such an offense, the principal is authorized to suspend the student for one (1) to nine (9) days under the guidelines set forth for student suspension. Parental contact should be made at the earliest reasonable time following the official allegation by the school.

The principal's conclusions should be based on the facts pertaining to the documentation of the incident. Said documentation shall include all information available, including but not limited to, the following categories:

A An operational definition of the offense(s)

8 . Persons involved & events reported

C. Witnesses

D. When and where the offense(s) occurred

The preceding documentation shall be forwarded from the school making the recommendation for dismissal to the Hearing Officer. Once documentation has been forwarded, to the Hearing Officer, a hearing will be held in the central office of the Cleveland School District. The School Board has authorized the Hearing Committee to make a recommendation relative to expulsion. The Hearing Officer, acting as the Superintendent's designee, and a hearing committee of three administrators shall review the recommendation and will meet with the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent of the suspended student within ten (10) days of the offense(s) which led to the expulsion recommendation. A record of the meeting shall be maintained by a designated recorder.

The recommendation for dismissal or resolution of the matter shall be forwarded to the Superintendent within the ten (10) day period imposed by the principal. Parents will be notified by phone call (of the decision of the Hearing Committee by the administrator of the home school). Parents have the right to appeal the decision of the Hearing Committee. Requests to appear before the School Board should be made in writing to the Superintendent no later than five (5) days after the Hearing Committee renders its decision.

Recommendations for expulsion shall be presented at the next regular meeting of the School Board. It is important to note that the hearings concerning student dismissal(s) are administrative in nature and neither preclude nor preempt civil and/or criminal procedures and/or remedies which may be appropriate in light of the specific circumstances of each incident. SB JOE

According to section 37-11-53 of the Mississippi Code: (3) Any parent, guardian or custodial parent of a compulsory-school-age child who (a) fails to attend a discipline conference to which such parent, guardian or custodial parent has been summoned under the provisions of this section, or (b) refuses or willfully fails to perform any other duties imposed upon him or her under the provisions of this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00).


Students and employees in the Cleveland School District are protected from bullying or harassing behavior by other students or employees. It is the intent of the Board and the administration to maintain an environment free from bullying and harassing behavior. This complaint procedure provides a process for filing, processing and resolving complaints of such conduct. Adherence to these procedures is mandatory. SB JDDA, JDDA-P

I. Definitions Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication , or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic that (a) places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, or (b) creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student's educational performance, opportunities or benefits.

A "hostile environment" means that the victim subjectively views the conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is bullying or harassing behavior.

Bullying or harassing behavior will not be condoned or tolerated when it takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus, or when it takes place off school property when such conduct, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders the offending person's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole.

II. Procedures for Processing a Complaint Any student, school employee or volunteer who feels he/she has been a victim of bullying or harassing behavior, or has witnessed or who has reliable information that a student, school employee or volunteer has been subjected to bullying or harassing behavior shall report such conduct to a teacher, principal, counselor or other school official. The report shall be made promptly but no later than five (5) calendar days after the alleged act or acts occurred or the alleged act or actions are discovered. However, in making this report, individual circumstances shall be considered on whether the report has been made in a timely manner. The school official shall complete a "Bullying/Harassing Behavior" complaint form which shall include the name of the reporting person, the specific nature and date of the misconduct, the names of the victim of the misconduct, the nc;imes of any witnesses and any other information that would assist in the investigation of the complaint. The report shall be given promptly to the principal or superintendent who shall institute an immediate investigation. Complaints against the principal shall be made to the superintendent and complaints against the superintendent shall be made to the Board chairman.

The complaint shall be investigated promptly. Parents will be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The District official will arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties within five (5) working days after initial receipt of the complaint by the District. The parties will have an opportunity to submit evidence and a list of witnesses. All findings related to the complaint will be reduced to writing. The District official conducting the investigation shall notify the victim and parents as appropriate when the investigation is completed and a decision regarding disciplinary action, as warranted, is determined.

If the victim is not satisfied with the decision of the District official, he/she may submit a written appeal to the superintendent. Such appeal shall be filed within ten (10) working days after receipt of the results of the initial decision. The superintendent will arrange such meetings with the victim and other affected parties as deemed necessary to discuss the appeal. The superintendent shall provide a written decision to the victim's appeal with in ten (10) working days.

If the victim is not satisfied with the decision of the superintendent, a written appeal may be filed with the Board. Such appeal shall be filed within ten (1 O) working days after receipt of the decision of the superintendent. The Board shall, within twenty (20) working days, allow the victim and parents as appropriate to appear before the Board to present reasons for dissatisfaction with the decision of the superintendent. The Board shall provide a written decision within ten (10) working days following the victim's appearance before the Board.


Students are expected to dress appropriately for school. Any extreme form of dress which is distracting to the teaching-learning process is prohibited.

The principal shall have the final decision about the appropriateness of the clothing for school.

The fo llowinq dress is pro 1 ited: * • Tank tops

• Muscle/body suits

• Exposed midriffs

• Undershirts or basketball ierseys

• Halter tops and tennis skirts, and mini skirts

• Low-cuUrevealing shirts, blouses or pants

• Any item that advertises alcoholic beverages, drugs, tobacco, or has printed on it obscene language, gestures, inflammatory messages or suggestive slogans.

• Any clothing worn as "low riding" - a belt is required .

• Bicycle pants (lonQ or short), sliding pants, ieaaings (may be worn under clothinQ)

• Non-prescription sunQlasses inside school buildinQs

• Belts, suspenders, pants, and overalls if not buckled and worn as intended .

• Coats that are lonqer than % lenqth - Trench coat, dusters, etc .

• House shoes

• Bandanas or similar headdress

• Paiama pants, pajama shorts or pajama jeans

• No metal tip picks, combs, rollers, and other stvling devices or items that may be worn in the hair .

• Shirts must be tucked in pants at all times .

• Revealing holes in pants or suggestive attire will not be allowed .

• Earrings in the nose/eyebrow/tongue for male or female. - earrings in the ears of male students.

*Cleveland School District will not be responsible for any expense the student may incur with piercing of any body part. *Shorts may be worn 3 to 4 inches above top of knee.

No facial piercinqs allowed .

*Hats or head coverings are allowed on campus, but they are not to be worn in buildings. Hooded sweatshirts are allowable for dress; however, no hoodies can be worn on the head while inside the building. *Any dress or personal appearance the administration feels is disruptive to the instructional process will be dealt with on an individual case basis.

Students will not be allowed to wear any type of jewelry during their PE class that may result in injury to the student. The CSD will not be responsible for items that may be lost or stolen while students are involved in any activities.

The first time a student is corrected for dress code violation the parent will be notified. Any subsequent time the student violates the dress code, the student will be given consequences at the principal's discretion.

Be Safe • Be Responsible * Be Respectful 32

I. Activities affected: A. Interscholastic athletic events B. Cheerleading C. Band (Choral and Dance Groups) D. Any activity that is sanctioned by the MHSAA

A student who is enrolled in any grade higher than grade 6 in a school district in this state must be suspended from participation in any extracurricular or athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by the school district after a semester in which the student's cumulative grade point average is below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. The suspension from participation in extracurricular or athletic activities may not be removed until the student's cumulative grade point average in a succeeding semester is 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. A student with a cumulative grade point average below a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale at the semester of an academic school year shall be suspended from participation in extracurricular or athletic activities in the succeeding academic school year until the student's cumulative grade point average is 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Senate Bill 2628

Example: Student A has a 2.0 or higher at the end of the Spring Semester (May). That student is eligible and will be checked again in December to see if he is eligible for the Spring Semester.

Student B has a 1.9 or lower at the end of the Spring Semester (May). That student is ineligible until December, if he/she has a 2.0 or higher they are eligible for the Spring Semester, if the GPA is below 2.0, they will remain ineligible.

Once a student is ineligible the student remains ineligible until the next semester, not the next nine (9) weeks.

GRADE CHECKS WILL BE: * End of each Spring Semester (May) to be eligible for Fall Semester (August) of the next school year. * End of each Fall Semester (December) to be eligible for the following Spring Semester (January).

Grade Point Average 90-100 4.0 80- 89 3.0 70- 79 2.0 65- 60 1.0 Below 65 0.0

All courses that count toward graduation count toward GPA.

It is the responsibility of the Coach to provide the Athletic Director with a list of all participants prior to the first practice. The Athletic Director will then provide the Counselor with the list of students for each activity. The Counselor will then check each student's grades and determine their GPA, then present the list to the Principal for final signature. The list of ineligible and eligible students will then be given to the Athletic Director, who will inform the coach/director of each student's status. It is the responsibility of the Principal to ensure that all students that participate in activities are eligible for that semester.

A student who is ineligible can work on conditioning, strengthening and practice with the team under the coaches direction, but no ineligible student can compete in any type of competition, including spring training.


A student that is ineligible can become eligible the following semester by maintaining a 2.0 GPA, but according to MHSM rules a student can only become eligible one time after they have been ineligible.

Special Education students that are workiiig toward a traditional or regular diploma must meet same requirements as all other students. Students with a disability who are on a nontraditional track must be making satisfactory progress on their IEP to be eligible to participate. This will be verified by the assigned Special Education teacher and approved by the Principal.

A student may go to summer school, take a correspondence course, or credit recovery, but must meet current Board Policies for these programs. The grade earned during summer school, correspondence course, or credit recovery must be completed prior to the start of school. Then the summer school, correspondence, or credit recovery grade will be used in computing the year-end average in place of the original grade.

Upon completion of grade eight, when a student has chosen a high school and attends that school for one (1) or more days, the school of his/her choice shall become his/her home school. If the student wishes to change high schools, that student is ineligible for a period of one year in any extracurricular activities to include: sports, cheerleader, band, dance teams or any other activities governed by the Mississippi High School Activities Association. MHSM RULE: SECTION B, PARAGRAPH 1e, PAGE 9 OF MHSM HANDBOOK.

A student serving Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) or In-School suspension (ISS) may not participate (play in game or practice) beginning the first day of the suspension and ending the last day of the OSS or ISS.


I. GRADING A student with a disability will receive grades reflecting the student's achievement on the instructional level. The procedure used for reporting grades will be such that everyone involved in reporting and using these grades will clearly understand that a high grade does not necessarily mean that a disabling condition no longer exists. A high grade should accurately reflect, based on what is expected of a student with a given disability, that he/she is performing well. Actual grading will follow this process:

1. Use the familiar A, B, C, D, and F grading pattern. Report the grade and the grade level on which the student is functioning. For example: The student is working on the 3.5 grade level in Reading and has earned a B for the nine weeks: work.

2. Use some identified and carefully outlined process for specifying what work the student has successfully completed. For example: The student is doing Arithmetic on the 2.5 grade level and has mastered 10 of the 15 objectives (written in the IEP) during the nine weeks. NOTE: Mastery should be defined; you might say it means making at least 85 on a teacher-made test relative to a specific objective.

Any student with a disability who does not meet course requirements, even though the adaptations necessary to adjust for the student's disability have been made, may receive a failing grade. If it is obvious, however, that the student with a disability cannot function socially, emotionally or educationally in a regular class, the student's IEP should be revised.

It may be necessary to provide extra help to a student with a disability or make other modifications in the regular program if that student is to be successful. The special and regular education teachers must work together so that the special education teacher will know how to reinforce/tutor the student with a disability when the student begins to falter. The special education teacher should provide assistance to the regular education teacher if there is a need for modification of the education program to insure the success of a student. Some examples of program modifications that may be made by regular and special education personnel working closely together are:

1. Readinq tests orally to special education students

2. Special education teacher qivinq the test so that the student has more time to complete the test

3. Giving test in the mode in which the student communicates best

4. Tapinq lessons for student

5. Special education teacher reviewinq and helpinq with homework assiqnments

6. Adapting/modifying a particular lesson, instructional unit, test, and/or homework assignment (the adaptation or modifications may be done using a task analysis approach

Although these kinds of modifications may need to be made, the student should be judged to be successful (graded) in that regular education class in the same manner as other regular education students where a Carnegie credit unit is to be earned.


II. GRADUATION St udents with a disability shall be issued diplomas or certificates as follows:

1. Every student receiving special education services, consideration will be given, during the IEP Review/Revision session prior to the student's entry into the ninth grade, as to this student's possibilities for achieving sufficient Carnegie units to earn a regular diploma.

2. The district has a core curriculum for students who are seeking basic education and life skills development. This may be called the "life skills" curriculum and will include, along with appropriate academic instruction, vocational orientation and training, and the development of social skills.

3. The IEP for the student who is to pursue the life skills curriculum will reflect this; even though academic instruction will continue each year in accordance with his/her instructional level and rate of achievement, this instruction will be aimed toward individual and vocational needs.

4. If the student is to pursue a regular diploma, the IEP will reflect this, and special education services will be provided to assist the student in reaching this goal.

5. At intervals, but at least annually, the student's IEP will be reviewed and revised as his/her current achievement and needs dictate. The possibility for change from regular diploma to life skills curriculum or from life skills curriculum to regular diploma curriculum will remain open.

6. Every student who completes an approved course of study by or before age 21 will receive a diploma or certificate and will be permitted to participate in graduation exercises.

7. Every student receiving a diploma will have met requirements of the State Accreditation Commission and his/her local school district.

NOTE: The following is an excerpt from current Accreditation Standard Vlll.E. Pupils who completed satisfactorily the local school district secondary curriculum for special education may be awarded a high school certificate or diploma which states, "This student has successfully completed an Individualized Education Program." The student may be permitted to participate in graduation exercises.


·-FIRST AND THIRD NINE WEEKS SECOND AND FOURTH NINE WEEKS

Group 1- Suggested Minimum Requirements Group 1-G1 Suggested Minimum G1 Activities Activities Requirements

50% grading Daily Activities 2 per week 40% grading Daily Activities 2 per week period Class Work * G1 activities should be

period Class Work * G1 activities should be Participation reviewed with students no Participation reviewed with students

Lab Work Lab Work no later than one (1) day later than one (1) day after the activity.

Daily Quiz after the activity.

Daily Quiz

Book Reports Book Reports

Group 2- Suggested Minimum Requirements Group 2-G2 Suggested Minimum G2 Activities Activities Requirements

50% grading Summative 4 per nine (9) week grading 40% grading Summative 4 per nine (9) week period Evaluations period period Evaluations grading period

Major Research Major Research

Term Paper *G2 should be reviewed no Term Paper *G2 should be reviewed no later than three (3)

Book Reports later than three (3) days Book Reports days after completion.

Chapter Tests after completion. Chapter Tests

Unit Tests Unit Tests

Objective Evaluations Objective Evaluations

-Graup 3-G3 Suggested Minimum

Activities Requirements

20% grading Nine (9) weeks tests Test will be reviewed no period

Homework will be given by teachers in grades K-12 a minimum of five (5) later than four (4) days

times per nine weeks. All homework will be reviewed with students in a after completion, except timely manner.

when followed by a holiday.


A 90-100 B 80-89 c 70-79 D 65-69 F below 65

SB/HA Academic Guidelines

1. All students will have the opportunity to complete all assigned work. Students absent from school will have five (5) class days in which to complete missed assignments. If the return to school is after an extended illness, teachers may grant additional time as needed. There is no distinction between student absences for sickness and student absences for discipline purposes. Every effort should be made to ensure students have ample time to complete missed assignments.

2. There will be a clear distinction between discipline and academic work. No student will have points deducted from his/her grade once these points are earned. "Zeros" will not be given as a means of discipline.

3. Students who are cheating on tests or assignments will receive a zero (0) for the test or assignment. They will not be allowed to make up the work.

4. All students will be given a progress report in the middle of each grading period. Parent access to Active Parent is available for progress to be monitored on a daily basis. Conferences are scheduled through the school office.

Students in grades 9-12 are exempt at the end of a course if they meet the following criteria:

1. A ninety average in the course

2. Good attendance-no more than two (2) absences for % credit course, no more than four (4) absences for full credit course and no more than four (4) absences per semester for full year vocational classes

3. No major discipline problems and no out-of-school suspensions

The Cleveland School District may set certain standards and privileges for qualified students.


Successful completion of a course shall be based on a grade average of 65 (D) or higher. Grade K Promotion in grade K will be determined based on 70% mastery of state objectives in reading, language arts and math as noted on the report card for the last nine weeks.

Grades 1-5 If a student fails one or more core course(s), the student will not be promoted to the next grade level. The core courses are: reading, language arts, science, and math. The student may be allowed to attend an extended year program with approval from the administrator for promotion. Upon successful completion of the objectives covered in the extended school year program, when offered by the CSD. the student may be promoted to the next grade level.

Grade 3 In addition to what is listed for Grades 1-5, the following applies specifically 3rd grade students.

A student scoring below the MOE recognized cut score on the MKAS2 Reading Test for 3rd grade students will not be promoted to 41h grade, unless the

student meets the good cause exemption for promotion. All good cause exemptions are listed on the district website under the link for the Literacy Based Promotion Act.

Grades 6-7-8 If a student fails one or more "core" courses, that student will not be promoted to the next grade. The core courses are: Math, English, Science, and Social Studies.

If a student fails one or two "core" courses, that student will be allowed to attend an extended year program, if offered by CSD and admin istrative approval was obtained. Upon successful completion of the objectives covered in the extended school year program, the student will be allowed to be promoted to the next grade level.

Grades 9 -12 In grades 9-12, promotion to the next level is based on successful completion of Carnegie units. The table below shows the number of Carnegie units a student must have to be promoted from one grade to the next, as well as the number of units needed to graduate.

GRADE UNITS TO PROMOTE TO UNITS REQUIRED TO NEXT GRADE LEVEL GRADUATE

10 7 - includinq Enqlish I 11 14 - includinci Enci lish II Based on ICAP 12 20- including English Ill

In planning for your course selections during your high school career, please keep the following requirements in mind: + Only one Carnegie unit may be earned through correspondence. + Two units of English cannot be taken during the same school year unless the student has fallen behind in English. + If a student fails one core course, with the exception of English II, Algebra I, Biology I, or U.S. History (unless the student has passed the

Subject Area test in that course), the student MAY be allowed to attend summer school/extended school year for credit WITH PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE PRINCIPAL.

+ A student can only earn two (2) credits through Credit Recovery for the duration of the student's entire high school career.


Retention Appeal Process A parent may appeal the retention of a student at any grade level or any subject area subject to the following procedures:

1. Ask for a conference with the teacher(s) and school principal.

2. If the parent believes the decision should be appealed after a parent-teacher-principal conference, the parent may request a hearing before the Special Exceptions Committee at the Cleveland School District Central Office. Such appeal must be made within three (3) days of the previous parent-teacher-principal hearing and must be made in writing. The principal and teacher will be present at this hearing and provide documentation for the committee to consider. The decision of this committee will be final.

The Cleveland School District believes the more courses taken in high school the better prepared students will be for any post-secondary experiences they encounter. To achieve that purpose, the following policy on class weights and the method of determining class rank in both high schools has been adopted.

Rank points per semester credit will be accumulated based on the following classifications and table.

REGULAR CLASSES: All classes other than Accelerated and Advanced

ACCELERATED CLASSES: FIVE (5) POINT CLASSES ADVANCED CLASSES: SIX (6) POINT CLASSES

Chemistrv Physics I AP Bioloqy AP Macroeconomics

ForeiQn LanQuage Ill & IV AP Calculus Physics II AP EnQlish IV SREB Math Ready AP Macroeconomics Advanced Alqebra 11 Algebra Ill Advanced Math Plus

ADVANCED CLASSES International Baccalaureate Program

DP Art Ill, IV DP Mathematics I II DP Bioloav I, II DP Mathematical Studies I, II DP Enolish IV, V DP Psycholoqy I, II DP History of the Americas I, II DP ab initio Spanish I, II

DP Theory of KnowledQe I, II


RANK POINTS

Classes/Grades Regular Accelerated Advanced

A 4 5 6

B 3 4 5

c 2 3 4

D 1 2 3

F 0 0 0

For the purpose of Senior Academic Honors, ranking will be computed using the following procedures: The Grade Point Average (GPA) used to determine final senior ranking for each student shall be calculated by dividing the total rank points accumulated by the total semester credits accumulated.

The GPA obtained by the procedure above shall be used ONLY for the purpose of calculating final senior ranking. The GPA obtained using a 4.0 scale and ALL semester credits earned will OTHERWISE be used for ALL EXTERNAL REPORTING of GPA or grades unless the request specifies how the GPA is to be calculated.

For a student to be eligible for Valedictorian or Salutatorian, he/she must have enrolled in the CLEVELAND SCHOOL DISTRICT for his/her entire junior and senior years.

Graduating seniors who earn class honors will be recognized in the following manner: • Valedictorian The student with the highest Grade Point Average. This student will be recognized in the graduation program with five (5) stars

(*****) placed beside his/her name. • Salutatorian The student with the second highest Grade Point Average. Th is student will be recognized in the graduation program with four (4)

stars (****) placed beside his/her name. • Students who earn top five Grade Point Average honors will be recognized in the graduation program with three (3) stars (***) placed beside

their names. • Students with GPA's of 4.0000 and above will be recognized in the graduation program with two (2) stars(**) placed beside their names. • Students with GPA's of 3.2500 to 3.9999 will be recognized in the graduation program with one (1) star(*) placed beside their names.

NOTE: Semester credits transferred into the District shall earn regular class rank points unless specifically identifiable as accelerated or advanced classes based upon determination to be made by the Superintendent.


The Academic Program for the Talented is a co-operative program between area high schools and participating colleges and universities. Its purpose is to provide academic enrichment for academically talented secondary school students by admitting them to classes offered by the University. It is not designed to accelerate the completion of high school requirements and students who participate will be required to complete all diploma requirements.

Selection and Admission of Students • Students must be high school seniors and have a minimum ACT composite of 21 . • A counselor must recommend and the principal must approve students. • Students may enroll in no more than one lower division academic course per semester. They may not enroll in upper division or graduate courses. • Students will be required to pay the usual college fees.

Credit • College credit will be awarded for each course successfully completed.

Schedule • Students will be released from high school to attend college classes during the school day. • Class attendance for high school students in college classes is compulsory in accordance with attendance regulations in force in the high school.

Other Considerations • Students will be required to attend all activities mandated by school officials. • This program is not in effect for the summer session. • Students earning college credit under this program will not jeopardize their eligibility to be awarded credits on the basis of ACT scores.

Senior privileges are earned. Prior to the senior receiving this privilege, the parent must appear at school to sign a permission slip. Each senior must come by the office and sign out each day before leaving campus. Seniors meeting the guidelines will be allowed senior privileges.

At any time, a violation of one or more of the guidelines will result in loss of the senior privileges. The Principal will assign students that lose their senior privileges to a class, ISS, or work detail.

GUIDELINES

Must be on schedule to qraduate.

Must not have a 75 or below in any subject for the junior year.

Must not have more than five (5) checkouts per vear, without a medical excuse.

Must not have more than five (5) absences per class per semester, unless there is an extended illness.

Must not have been assiqned to Out-of-School Suspension.

Must have taken all end of course assessments required by MOE.


The Cleveland School District recognizes, and willingly accepts, individual and system-wide accountability for its actions to parents, students, and all school patrons. Procedures for solving student-teacher differences not related to disciplinary action are:

Conference with teacher/counselor

Principal conference

Appeal to Superintendent in writing within five (5) days

Appeal to the Board of Trustees in writing within two (2) days

Students in grades K-12 must present an immunization Certificate of Compliance form to the school before they are allowed to enter school. Immunization 121 Compliance Form is required by state law to be on file at the school. This form may be secured from the health department or a private physician.

Low-cost student insurance is available to students at the beginning of the school year. Students participating in athletics must purchase student insurance, or show proof of private coverage, prior to participating in any practice. Students in vocational shops must purchase student insurance or show proof of private coverage, or have a release form signed by the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent prior to participating in shop. School districts in Mississippi are legally prohibited from paying a doctor or hospital bill of any student.

Occasionally, parents of elementary students send party invitations to school to be distributed by the child. To avoid the possibility of a child getting his/her feelings hurt, party invitations of any kind must be distributed to the entire class or not at all. The Mississippi Code does not allow for student information to be given out.


It is the Cleveland School District's goal to help keep your child healthy and safe during the school year. The Cleveland School District has school nurses to help meet any health care needs that may arise with your child. General first aid will be provided along with medication administration when necessary. If it is necessary for medication to be given during school hours, the guidelines for medication administration must be followed. These guidelines must be followed to work within the realm of the Cleveland School District's drug policy. This is for the safety of your child and all students. Absolutely no medication will be transported by a child to or from school. It must be transported by the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent only and registered with the school nurse or school principal in the absence of the school nurse. SB JGCD

GUIDELINES FOR MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

For prescription, over-the-counter, and supplemental medication, the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent must bring the medication and "The Request to Administer Medication Form" to the school and register the medication with the school nurse or school principal. The medication will be administered by school personnel who have completed an "Assisted Self Administration Curriculum".

Prescription or non-prescription druas that need to be taken at school for 15 davs or less:

• The medication must be in the original container and labeled by the pharmacist before it will be administered. Most pharmacies will put medication in 2 labeled bottles, one for school and one for home. Written request for assistance is available at the school. The label must include:

o Student's name o Name of prescribing health care provider o Name of drug o Amount of drug to be given and frequency of administration o Date orescriotion filled

• All nonprescription drugs must be in their original container and labeled. The written request for assistance is available at the school. The request must contain the following information:

o Student's name o Name of drug o Amount of drug to be given o When drug is to be given o Reason drug is given o Date o Signature of parent/legal guardian/custodial parent

• All prescription and non-prescription drugs to be administered at school for 15 days or less must be accompanied by a written request, available at the school, signed and dated by a parent/legal guardian/custodial parent.

Be Safe * Be Responsible * Be Respectful

44

Prescription or non-prescription drugs that need to be taken at school for more than 15 days must be accompanied by a written request, available at the school, signed and dated by the prescribing health care provider and the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent requesting this service.

• Medications prescribed or requested to be given three times a day or less are NOT to be given at school unless a specific time during school hours is prescribed by a health care provider, or the school nurse determines that a special need exists for the individual student.

• There will be no more than one medication per properly labeled container .

• All medications will be stored and dispensed in the school clinic, or from the principal's office. Exceptions must be approved by proper school authorities in advance.

• No student may have prescription or non-prescription drugs in possession on school grounds during school hours without proper authorization. A parent/legal guardian/custodial parent must deliver medications to the school and pick up medication remaining at the end of the school term, during holiday periods, with a change in medication/dosage or the end of the prescribed time.

• No medication will be administered from or kept in the school or clinic for more than 15 days unless otherwise prescribed by a physician or other health care provider.

Personal valuables should not be brought to school. The school does not accept responsibility for the safekeeping of the student's instructional or personal property.

Progress reports will be given to all students on the dates scheduled. Teachers have the option of sending additional progress reports at any point they deem necessary throughout the academic year. Progress reports are to be signed by a parent/legal guardian/custodial parent and returned to the teacher within two (2) school days after having been issued.

Report cards will be issued at the end of each grading period. The report card, signed by the parent, should be returned to the teacher within two days. The parent's signature does not necessarily mean endorsement of the grades, but merely indicates the card has been reviewed by the parent.


Active Parent is a feature of the Cleveland School District's student management package. Establishing an Active Parent account allows parents to view student grades, attendance, and discipline.

Instructions for establishing an Active Parent account:

Go to www.cleveland.k12.ms.us Click blue Active Parent circle logo Fill out the requested information and submit request Request will be aooroved

Secondary students are provided with information and adequate time for planning and selecting courses each year. Based upon student requests, the master schedule is constructed and staff is hired. Schedule changes will not be permitted unless there is a proven extenuating circumstance such as failing a prerequisite or required course or administrative necessity. A student cannot enroll in a new course that has met more than three (3) times.

Procedure

• If a schedule change is warranted under extenuating circumstances, the person requesting the change secures a Schedule Change Request form from the counselor's office or on the district website.

• The request is reviewed and a decision is made by the building principal.

• Notice of the decision is given in writing to parent/legal guardian/custodial parent.

Spring of each school year, students in grades 5-11 will choose their school of choice for the upcoming school year. The parent/legal guardian/custodial parent must select the school, sign and date the form.


Students in grades 7-11 will make their course selection for the upcoming school year during the spring semester. This form must be signed by the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent and returned to the school counselor. If a student fails to return the subject choice sheet to the counselor, the student's schedule for the upcoming year will not be completed until the form is returned.

When there is reasonable suspicion of a district policy violation, school officials have a legal right and responsibility to search lockers, desks, persons, and/or vehicles for any item specifically prohibited by Board Policy. A witness should be present during any search, if practical. Prior warning of a locker search is not necessary.

For the safety and protection of students and staff, the school has the right to conduct random searches of students with hand held metal detectors. These searches may be conducted at any time the principal deems it necessary.

In an emergency situation, school officials/law officers may conduct a general locker search. School officials should seek cooperation from the student if a search is to be made of his/her person.

Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. The interior and trunk area of a student's vehicle on school premises may be searched if the school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized, or contraband items are contained inside. The discovery of any items violating state law will result in notification of the proper law enforcement authorities.

Gangs and gang-related activities are considered contrary to school environment and educational objectives. Any student wearing , carrying , or displaying gang paraphernalia, or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership, shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Student possession or use of tobacco in any form is prohibited at all school functions and on or near school property. Students violating this regulation will be subject to detention time or suspension, and violation will be reported to the police.


Parents will be required to furnish Social Security numbers at registration for their child. If the number is not available, thirty (30) days will be given to present the number to the school office. All precautions will be taken for the safety of the student's social security number.

The Mississippi Department of Education requires students in grades 3-12 to participate in the state testing program. These tests are designed to provide information relative to the achievement and abilities of individual students and to the district's instructional program. State assessments are administered in grades 3-10 (includes Algebra I and English II); MST2 (Mississippi Science Test) is administered to students in grades 5 and 8. SATP2 (Subject Area Testing Program) are administered to students in grades 9-12. The Subject Area Tests consist of Biology I and U.S. History. Results of the state tests are sent home to the parents.

Students are reminded that they are under the jurisdiction of the school when attending ball games or any other school activity, even though the activity or game is conducted after school hours or off campus.

1. Students are to sit in the home stands of the stadium/gym.

2. Students may be instructed to leave the stadium/gym for the following reasons:

a. Running in or on the stadium/gym premises b. Throwinq paper, ice, cups, liquids, popcorn, boxes, confetti, streamers, or any other product c. Standing in the portals or doorways

d. Pushinq or shovinq

Students not observing these rules, as well as accepted rules of good conduct, will be asked to leave the stadium/gym and may be subject to disciplinary action or police custody. Loud, abusive, criticism of referees, coaches or players will not be tolerated. Persistent violations will result in exclusion from district sports event.

Assembly Conduct • Enter the auditorium or meeting area in an orderly manner. • Be seated as quickly as possible. • Refrain from disruptive actions such as loud and unnecessary talking, whistling , clapping, or yelling.


Students may walk, ride bicycles, school buses, or motor vehicles, or their parents may provide transportation to school. No student is to disturb or drive a bicycle, motor bike, or automobile belonging to someone else. Students who drive motor vehicles to school and/or on school property are required to have a valid Mississippi driver's license and must purchase a parking permit in the school office. Failure to purchase a parking permit can result in the student's vehicle being towed at owner's expense. · ·

Automobiles Parking on all campuses is restricted to faculty, visitors, and service vehicles, except where designated as student parking areas. Students driving cars should fill out a vehicle registration form at the office.

A student may not sit in a parked automobile at any time after his/her arrival. Quick starts or speeding will not be tolerated in school zones. Violation of these regulations will result in severe disciplinary action (to include denial of privilege to park on campus).

Any student's vehicle which is blocking other vehicles, and/or parked illegally is subject to being towed at the student's/owner's expense.

Any student leaving campus illegally in their own or any other vehicle will lose their privilege to park on campus for two weeks.

Bicycles and Motor Bikes All motor bikes and bicycles must be parked in the designated areas. On the junior-high levels, bicycles/motor bikes are to be used for transportation to and from school and will not be used during lunch time. The privilege of bringing vehicles to school will be taken away if safety practices are not followed.

Violators of the above regulations who refuse to obey a request will be reported to local Law Enforcement.

Any parent/legal guardian/custodial parent who wishes to visit a school must first report to the Principal's office. A pass will be given to the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent before going to the designated place in the school. The Principal will set meeting with the teacher and parent/legal guardian/custodial parent. In no case will the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent go to the teacher's classroom without prior approval of the Principal. If the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent causes a disturbance in the school, the Principal has the right to call the School Resource Officer and have the parent/legal guardian/custodial parent removed from the campus.


No individual student(s), school clubs, or organizations are permitted to use the school facilities, including gymnasiums/stadium, unless a teacher/administrator is in charge and present. The use of all school facilities after regular school hours must be scheduled in advance through the principal's office.

Anyone requesting use of school facilities must complete a Use of Facilities form and return it to the school principal. Any group proposing to use district facilities must provide adequate proof of property damage insurance covering the facility and liability insurance covering all visitors to the event, as well as security.

Guns Any student who has in his/her possession any type of firearm or air/gas powered gun (pellet, BB, etc.), operable or inoperable, while he/she is in school, on school property, on the school bus, on the way to and from school, or at any school function or activity, will be immediately suspended and remanded to the superintendent for consideration for expulsion.

Students who possess other types of "guns" (stopper guns, cap guns, water guns, etc.) shall be suspended from school for ten (10) days. A second offense of such possession shall constitute a ten-day suspension with a recommendation for expulsion. Students who possess and use such "guns" to threaten, intimidate, and/or otherwise disrupt the school environment shall immediately be suspended and recommended for expulsion. Such recommendation will be initiated by the principal of the school where the violation occurred and/or the principal of the school to which the offending student is assigned.

Guns in student possession shall be seized and turned over to an administrator of the school district. Appropriate law enforcement authorities and the superintendent shall be notified of each violation of this policy.

Other Weapons - Use of Any student who uses, or threatens to use, any hard or sharp objects, regardless of its original purpose, for a weapon while he is in school, on school property, the school bus, on the way to and from school or any school function or activity will immediately be suspended and recommended for expulsion. Examples of such weapons include, but are not limited to, knife, billy club, brass knuckles, ammunition, throwing stars, pipe club, bat, chain, razors, box cutters, mace, etc.

Weapons used by students shall be seized and turned over to a school administrator. Principals shall exercise their own discretion in each instance concerning the necessity of the notification of the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Other Weapons - Possession of Possession, by students, of any hard or sharp objects (regardless of its original purpose) that may be considered a weapon while he/she is in school, on school property, the school bus, on the way to and from school or any school function or activity shall be considered in violation of this policy. Suspension or other punishment for violation of this section of the policy shall be awarded by the principal who shall deal with each individual case based on the circumstances.

Students who violate this policy shall be afforded all due process rights and procedures provided by any and all policies of the school district. However, suspensions awarded by the provisions of this policy shall not be delayed or postponed because of tests and/or examinations. SB JCDAE

Be Safe *Be Responsible* Be Respectful 50

Parents must notify the principal's office before withdrawing a student from school. If the record is not clear in the office, the student may encounter difficulties in acquiring transcripts and/or enrolling in another school. The school record is not clear until all library books have been returned, textbooks have been checked in, and all fees have been paid.

Each local district shall develop and implement a plan to follow in collecting costs for the replacement at fair market price of lost, destroyed, or damaged textbooks. This plan shall include rules and regulations pertinent to the collection of fines and damages. The plan should be sufficient to comply with Section 37-7-301 (ff) of the Mississippi Code of 1972 which states:

"As part of their duties, the local district school boards may require that parents/legal guardians be responsible for the textbooks and for the compensation to the school district for any textbooks that are not returned to the proper schools upon the withdrawal of their dependent child. If a textbook is lost or not returned by any student who drops out of the public school district, the parent or legal guardian shall also compensate the school district for the fair market value of the textbooks."

Be Safe• Be Responsible • Be Respectful 51

·POLICY HA·NDBOOK FOR STUDENTS 2015-2016images.pcmac.org/Uploads/ClevelandSchoolDistrict...Gang...

Documents

Transcript of ·POLICY HA·NDBOOK FOR STUDENTS 2015-2016images.pcmac.org/Uploads/ClevelandSchoolDistrict...Gang...